Bifolium from the "Nurse's Qur'an" (Mushaf al-Hadina)

Unknown

ca. A.H. 410/ 1019–20 CE · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on parchment · Islamic Art

This double-page from a Qur'an comes down to us with the fascinating information that the nursemaid to one of the Zirid rulers of North Africa commissioned it for donation to the Great Mosque of Qairawan. It is written in a form of the 'new style kufic' script that was unique to North Africa, and it was copied on parchment, which remained in use in this region long after paper was commonly used for Qur'ans from Egypt, Iraq or Iran.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. A.H. 410/ 1019–20 CE

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on parchment

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, James and Diane Burke Gift, in honor of Dr. Marilyn Jenkins-Madina, 2007